In 2008 the four-day property extravaganza takes places at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, and begins on 11th March. The event provides leading industry decision makers with an unprecedented opportunity to meet, transact business, develop long-term relationships and showcase their latest development projects to industry leaders from across the world.

MIPIM’s global draw is nothing short of phenomenal, with delegates attending from Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and the Caribbean. In 2007 a total of 83 different countries, 2,523 exhibiting companies and 6,687 end-users, hotel group and investors were represented at the event and in 2008 the conference is certain to expand and grow even further.

One of the primary attractions of the event is the opportunity it gives delegates to meet other key players in the global property industry. It is the only event that is able to attract more than 6,600 investors and corporate end-users and because a quarter of all attendees are investors or buyers, MIPIM becomes the most efficient way to meet and do business with the leading partners and prospects. MIPIM also offers its delegates an unparalleled opportunity to network and build awareness about their own activities and projects – this year there is even an online matchmaking tool called MIPIMWorld, which is designed to further capitalise on the networking opportunities already created by this very special event.

MIPIM also serves as a quality showcase for hundreds of new real estate development projects from over 80 countries. As well as exhibiting a wide range of residential projects and development opportunities, MIPIM also caters for office, industrial, retail, hotel/resort and mixed-use properties. Organisers and delegates alike will also view the event as a true insight into the future of real estate. As the leading international real estate market, MIPIM naturally draws participants and specialists who have access to the most recent information about trends and issues in the industry.

Key issues

Last year’s event was a great success and organisers expect the 2008 summit to continue to build upon the first class reputation it has developed within the property industry as MIPIM draws upon its unique international coverage and reputation to bring together the most influential decision-makers in the market. Speaking to News on the Block, Reed MIDEM’s UK managing director, Peter Rhodes OBE said: “MIPIM 2007 saw over 26,000 registered delegates attend, and we are sure this will increase even further in 2008, attracting the top names from the property industry. In addition to organising the largest commercial and mixed-use property exhibition in Europe, with more than 2,500 exhibiting companies last year, we are committed to covering the key issues facing the international property market and this will be reflected in our comprehensive conference programme.

“This will include high calibre keynote speakers and tailored conference sessions to meet requirements of all our delegates including current real estate issues, private equity, investment, architecture, green issues and emerging markets,” he added.

Add to that the glorious setting of the French Riviera in the spring time and a host of glamorous evening cocktail parties and events, and MIPIM 2008 guarantees to be the highlight of the property conference calendar and an event not to be missed. So look out for more information in News on the Block over the coming months as well as a first hand review of the event itself®Å½